OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9150, 4 September 1888, Page 5

OBITUARY.

Ix yesterday's issue was recorded the death of a very old Auckland colonist, Mrs. Ann McDermott, and in to-day's issue the decease of another, Mrs. Harriet Stuart is announced. Mrs. McDermott, who was the widow of the late Mr. Martin McDermott, had at the time of her death reached the age of 75 years, of which she had spent 49 in Auckland. Deceased was living with her son, Mr. Saul McDermott, in Gladstone Road, Newton, and up almost to the la.st was a hale and healthy woman, her death being due rather to an accident than to old age. She was born in Glasgow, and about 50 years ago went out to Sydney. From there she came to Auckland in company with her husband in 1839. Mr. McDermott was one of the first, to carry on blacksmithing in Auckland, having come over under an engagement to Messrs. Kennedy and Co. Mrs. McDermott's mother died at the ripe age of 98. She leaves three sons—Messrs Lewis, Martin, and Saul McDermott, and three daughters, who are all married. Being such an old identity, Mrs. McDermott was very well-known, and was greatly respected. Mrs. Harriet Stuart, who passed away on Monday morning at six o'clock, after a brief illness, at the age of S3, arrived in Auckland in the early days with her husband, Mr. Henry Stuart, who died about seven years ago at the age of 94 years. He worked at bis profession of landscape gardener until within aboutayear previous to his death and was an extremely active man. He was a great favourite amongst the amateur horticulturists and florists of the old days, especially the late Mr. John Williamson, formerly Superintendent of this province. He came to Auckland with good credentials from his employer in England, the late Dr. Arnold, with whom he had been for many years. Some few weeks back the will of the late Dr. Arnold was published, and was noteworthy for its brevity and comprehensiveness. We were shown yesterday the will .of the late Mr. Stuart, and although made in Auckland in 1861, it is in the exact words of that of the late Dr. Arnold.